On March 3, 2021, President Eli Capilouto announced the closure of our award-winning Confucius Institute (UKCI). UK administration reached this decision in light of growing concerns regarding Confucius Institutes in the U.S.  Recently, provisions in the National Defense Reauthorization Act regarding the ability to receive research grants from the Department of Defense, made continuing UKCI unfeasible.

The University of Kentucky Confucius Institute was established in October 2010 and, under the leadership of Dr. Huajing Maske, was recognized worldwide for its positive impact on campus, Kentucky, the nation, and the globe. For over a decade, the UKCI created opportunities for UK faculty, staff and students to learn more about China, and enriched campus life in countless ways

The University of Kentucky remains committed to its engagement with its China programs and exchanges.   The Office of China Initiatives (OCI), housed in the UK International Center, will sustain and develop key partnerships with leading Chinese universities and support students exploring Chinese culture. The University of Kentucky continues to welcome Chinese students and scholars and supports their well-being and success. The OCI is now the hub for UK-China relations and China-related programs and will serve to contribute to the university’s DEI initiatives.